Acceleration where velocity is changing

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of acceleration in the context of circular motion, specifically addressing scenarios where velocity is constant but direction changes.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the nature of acceleration when velocity is constant in circular motion, questioning the definitions of linear and angular acceleration in this context.

Discussion Status

Some participants have provided clarifications regarding the relationship between constant circumferential speed and the resulting types of acceleration, noting that both angular and tangential accelerations are zero under these conditions. The conversation appears to be progressing with participants confirming understanding.

Contextual Notes

There is an emphasis on the definitions of acceleration types and the conditions under which they apply, particularly in relation to circular motion. Assumptions about the nature of velocity and its implications for acceleration are being examined.

tandoorichicken
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How would one describe the acceleration (linear and angular) if the velocity is constant but direction is constantly changing, i.e., circular motion?
 
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If the velocity (circumferential speed) is constant and motion is in a circle, then the acceleration is called centripetal acceleration.
Since the velocity is constant, then there is no linear (i.e. tangential) acceleration, or angular acceleration.

Is that what you were asking about?
 
Thanks fermat, so this means that both angular acceleration and the tangential acceleration = 0?
 
If the peripheral velocity is constant,then that's right, yes.
 

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